Emergent Research

EMERGENT RESEARCH is focused on better understanding the small business sector of the US and global economy.

Authors

The authors are Steve King and Carolyn Ockels. Steve and Carolyn are partners at Emergent Research and Senior Fellows at the Society for New Communications Research. Carolyn is leading the coworking study and Steve is a member of the project team.

Videos

Disclosure Policy

Emergent Research works with corporate, government and non-profit clients. When we reference organizations that have provided us funding in the last year we will note it.
If we mention a product or service that we received for free or other considerations, we will note it.

By 2020, more than half of the nation's children are expected to be part of a minority race or ethnic group

Sometime around 2040 America will be a minority majority nation

By 2060 the minority population is projected to rise to 56 percent of the total, compared with 38 percent in 2014.

By 2060, the nation's foreign-born population will reach nearly 19 percent of the total population, up from 13 percent in 2014.

The shifting racial and ethnic make-up of the U.S. is driving the trend towards cultural fusion. This is the blending and mixing of different cultures and their practices.

A simple example of cultural fusion is the nationwide popularity of Korean Tacos, which were introduced in 2008 by LA's Kogi BBQ food truck.

The numbers presented above make it clear the racial,ethnic and cultural blending of America will continue - as will cultural fusion.

Yes, there will be friction and push-back from those who feel threatened by these shifts. But the reality is the blurring of cultural, ethnic, social and racial lines is too far along and powerful to stop.

Small businesses who embrace cultural fusion will find a variety of market opportunities.

Most American consumers are embracing innovative products and services that are inspired by the mesh of cultures. Small businesses who can create these products and services will - like the Kogi Barbecue truck - benefit.